Student Stories
2023 First Gen Fest
First Gen Fest: Student Advice
"I truly thought college was not an option for me. After my first semester in college, I saw myself completely directionless. I kept hearing about a cohort called First Generation Scholars and I was so intrigued by what it was. I went to one of the classes one Friday during the fall semester and I was blown away. I saw a space of other students who looked similar to me and came from similar backgrounds. I am in my third year of being in the First Gen cohort and the amount of sheer value the organization has brought to me is one of the core reasons why I decided to stay in college and not drop out. First gen served every state of me, my mental state(being a place of support and resources), my emotional state( from the leaders and mentors being a pillar of support), and my financial state (with the funds first gen offers)."
Abdi H.
"Becoming a first generation scholar has impacted me in many more ways than I could have ever imagined. I never thought I would feel so at home and close to people who I had no connection to before. I’ve been blessed enough to meet some of the most loving, genuine, caring, and welcoming people that are just like me. Right after meeting my family, I knew I would enjoy spending time with this group of people. I look forward to being in their presence every Thursday, because I know that they will bring joy and happiness to me. Not only have they inspired and motivated me to push through school, but they have opened my eyes and allowed me to see “que si se puede,” or individuals who are navigating a new world trying to figure it out on their own. Siento felicidad de saber que me quieren ver volar, cumplir todos mis suenos, llegar a mis metas y poder decir que soy una graduada de universidad."
Michelle R.
"First gen scholars has allowed me to create bonds with people and those bonds have allowed me to feel secure at the U and feel that I belong here with students who have similar backgrounds to mine. Building connections has also made me step out of my comfort zone and be less shy and has allowed me to become more outgoing and take more opportunities that are provided at the U."
Jasmin M.
"Last year, I was fortunate enough to serve the role as a mentor for the program.
I met some of the most talented, resilient, and brilliant mentees. I learned valuable
lessons from each and every one of them. As I shared my experience and knowledge with
my students, I learned more about myself.
Being their mentor was more than telling them about resources on campus. Together
one challenge we took on was helping an undocumented student get her passport, and
learn about ITIN numbers, and credit cards. I was able to use my own experiences as
an undocumented student to help encourage and give hope to a student who was in despair.
These experiences were not easy to handle and as their mentor, they entrusted me to
help or support them. I learned that the first generation is the most efficient when
it’s founded on a system of reciprocity. Just like my mentors supported me during
my freshman year when I was alone and scared, I was able to complete a full circle
and inspire students to carry on those good intentions. Witnessing many of my mentees
evolve into mentors themselves, passing on the torch of guidance and support, has
been a testament to the program’s enduring impact."
Alex H.
"Beyond the sense of community, the First Gen Scholars program has equipped me with invaluable resources that have significantly contributed to my personal and career growth. For instance, in First Gen, we have the opportunity to learn about various University of Utah resources from our class leaders or other people, and most recently, within the past year through First Gen, I have been inspired to better my well-being through learning about the WeBeWell program and being provided with information about seeking counseling. As of now, I cannot emphasize enough how valuable, crucial, and life-changing these resources have been to my personal and academic development.
As a past recipient of the First Generation Scholar Award, the program has been a lifeline for my family and me, particularly during unforeseen circumstances. The ongoing support from First Gen has been instrumental in my transformative journey, marking the program as essential in my pursuit of success."
Anayansy P.
"I am a non-traditional student, transferring from Salt Lake Community College to the University of Utah, the First Gen Scholars has helped immensely. The U was a giant maze that I thought I had to navigate on my own and honestly I was scared. I didn’t know the buildings, classes and even all the U has to offer for the students. Being in the First Gen Scholars I met with people who had similar backgrounds that I could relate too. They have opened the doors for me and helped me to feel wanted on campus. I have made friends that I can meet with outside of class and study with, giving me a sense of being welcomed."
Alison G.